Mushoku Impact

Though Zenith's words had stopped her outburst, it was clear to everyone present that Therese wasn't convinced. She didn't have many friends, and Barbara was the only girl around her age with a similar desire for strength. Most of the other girls at the academy focused on Healing and Barrier Magic, so Barbara was one of the few people Therese could spar with and ask for advice.
"Let's do this," said Paul. "You asked me how I became strong earlier. The answer to that is fairly simple. While I've been provided with innumerable blessings, I've never stopped trying to improve myself. Part of that can be attributed to my pride, but the main driving force behind my actions is the desire to protect and improve the lives of others..."
Passing his gaze over Jean and Barbara, Paul's expression softened as he added, "There is also my desire to meet the expectations of those who love, depend on, or believe in me. Without the support of many amazing people, even overcoming the Advanced Rank would have been difficult..."
Returning his attention to Therese, Paul ended his impromptu monologue by stating, "You also have the potential to grow much stronger, Therese. Just imagine all the things you want to protect and train with the notion that someone might take them from you at any moment. As a daughter of House Latreia, you should know full well such people exist..."
Furrowing her brows, Therese lowered her gaze to her hands, clenched beneath the table. She was tempted to point out that Paul was currently taking something from her, but she knew that wasn't the case. Paul had given her the option, and Barbara was the one who decided to return to him. If she truly regarded the latter as her friend, she didn't have the right to intervene...
After a lengthy and somewhat tense period of silence, Zenith elected to insert herself back into the conversation, saying, "Since you said it was okay to ask questions, there's a matter I'd like clarification on. The Paul Greyrat spoken of in the rumors is fairly famous as a womanizer. There is even a rumor claiming that you wooed the Water God in order to gain her favor. I'm curious to know if there's any truth to these claims."
Understanding why Zenith was asking such a question, Paul closed his eyes and exhaled a faint sigh before adopting a serious expression and answering, "I would be lying if I said there wasn't at least a grain of truth to the rumors. However, while I'll admit to being a pervert, I would reject the title of womanizer. As...prolific as my exploits are, I don't view women as playthings to satisfy my desires..."
Hearing Paul's response, the usually warm smile on Zenith's face became somewhat scary. She was still smiling, but there was a penetrating gleam in her azure eyes. As for Therese, she immediately became heated, rising to her feet with a furious countenance as she stammered, "You...you...you unfaithful pig...!"
Leaping to Paul's defense, quite literally, Barbara bounced to her feet and shouted, "Don't say that about Paul! He tries harder than anyone to make the people around him happy! We're the ones imposing upon him, so don't you dare insult him...!"
Having never witnessed an angry Barbara, Therese shrunk back with a look of disbelief on her face. The Barbara she knew was kind and caring to the point of being called the 'Little Saintess' of Milis Academy. Seeing her genuinely angry made Therese feel as though she had committed a grave, unforgivable sin...
"Calm yourself, Barbara/Therese." said Jean and Zenith, their voices overlapping near-perfectly. They were the older sisters of the two girls, so they felt obligated to intervene before things got out of hand.
Exchanging glances due to the unexpected overlap of their words, Jean and Zenith appeared to reach a silent understanding, both nodding before the former asserted, "We haven't been entirely forthright with you. Once you hear our explanation, I'm certain most of the enmity you feel towards our Master will cease..."
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Though she didn't reveal anything related to the Intersection of Fate or Barbara's secret mission, Jean explained the origins of herself, Barbara, and the many women surrounding Paul in accordance with the story they had come up with. In essence, she gave them the same excuse Paul had given his parents many years prior, a story that had become increasingly known among the world's most influential figures...
With Noelle showing up to provide drinks and snacks partway through the explanation, Zenith pensively nursed a cup of tea while Therese stared off into space with illusory steam rising from her head. Both had the distinct impression they had gotten involved with something far beyond them, but the duo remained silent until Jean was finished speaking.
"And that's the gist of our situation," said Jean, adding, "I hope that, given the significance of what we've just discussed, you won't reveal the details to anyone. We will not punish you for doing so, but you'll find it difficult to regain our trust if you do."
Coming to her senses in response to Jean's words, Zenith asked, "Why are you telling us all of this? Even if we're Barbara's friends, what you've just said concerns the fate of the whole world. We're just the second and fourth daughters of an Earl. We can't fight against a monster like Laplace."
"How peculiar..." replied a cold, feminine voice. "Was it not St. Milis who said humans had unlimited potential for growth? With sufficient ambition and drive, anything is possible."
Recognizing the voice, Zenith, Therese, Barbara, and Jean rose to their feet, the former exclaiming, "Lady Fontaine! We were just-"
Gesturing for silence, Varuna, seemingly having materialized out of thin air, stated, "Calm yourselves. If it wasn't made apparent, I am one of the higher-ranking Spirits summoned by my Master. Now that you know the truth, you need not stand on ceremony when we're alone."
Though she had presumed it to be the case, Zenith was still gobsmacked to learn that Lady Fontaine, someone she respected nearly as much as St. Milis herself, was a Spirit.
Unconcerned with Zenith's mental state, Varuna went on to state, "Back to what I was saying. So long as you have the drive, you and your sister can achieve anything your heart desires. Our Master wishes for a world where people are free of the constraints of their birth and able to pursue any path. If you wish to be of help in the fight against Laplace, you need only steel your heart and apply yourself to your training."
Following her statement, Varuna cast a glance at Klee, seated atop Paul's lap, before taking the seat next to him. She wasn't fond of those with an affinity for Pyro, but she was more annoyed by the fact someone else was seated in Paul's lap. Such injustice.
With Noelle providing her with a fresh cup of tea, Varuna took a moment to savor its flavor and aroma before narrowing her eyes at the nervous-looking Zenith and Therese, asking, "Is there something you wish to say? Speak freely."
Summoning her courage, Zenith asked, "If you're a Spirit summoned by Sir Paul, why have you come to Milishion? What are you hoping to achieve by infiltrating the Milis Church?"
Narrowing her eyes even further, Varuna calmly asserted, "I have no more infiltrated the Milis Church than any other person seeking to use its power and authority. Before you condemn or question my intentions, you should direct your scrutiny to the would-be Nobles who have commandeered the Milis Religion for personal gain. My only objective is to see justice brought to those who believe themselves above the laws they impose on others."
With each of Varuna's words carrying the uncompromising resolution of a Goddess, Zenith found herself unable to move, much less speak. She knew just how corrupt the church and the families who supported it were, so there was little she could say to contend Varuna's claims.
Contrasting her elder sister, Therese was starry-eyed as she muttered, "So cool..." in an awe-filled tone. Her dream was to be a Templar who meted out justice and defended the innocent, so Varuna's words had a profound impact on her.
Shifting her gaze to Therese, a rare smile adorned Varuna's face as she stated, "You, in particular, have tremendous potential for growth, Therese. With proper guidance, you could become a pillar supporting both the Milis Religion and the world. If you're willing to accept me as your Master, I can help you to unlock your full potential."
As apprenticing under Varuna was the dream of countless would-be Templars, Therese didn't hesitate to respond, "I accept!" while rising to her feet. Varuna was regarded as one of, if not 'the' strongest, people in all of Milishion. Therese was still a little muddle-headed after hearing the explanation of Jean, but she knew she would regret it if she missed the opportunity to become Varuna's protege.
Seeing how excited her younger sister was, a faint yet exasperated sigh escaped Zenith's throat. Therese wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but Zenith didn't expect her to agree to Varuna's proposal without so much as a moment for consideration. Now, she had little choice but to work hard alongside her...
Crossing her arms in a way that inadvertently accented her breasts, Zenith said, "If possible, I would also like to study under Lady Fontaine. I may not be able to compare to Barbara, but my Healing and Detoxification Magic are among the best in the academy. If Therese is determined to be a Holy Knight or Templar, I will be the Priestess that supports her."
Nodding her head in approval, Varuna said, "Well said. With the two of you supporting one another, your growth will be even faster. Just keep in mind that while I'm your Master, the person I serve is Master Paul. If you are to apprentice under me, you will afford him even greater respect."
Feeling as though Varuna was about to make things complicated, Paul interjected, saying, "There's no need for that. They're Barbara's friends, and I've already asked them to behave casually. If they're to show me respect in the future, it will be because I've earned it."
Furrowing her brows, Varuna briefly considered protesting her Master's words but ultimately decided against it. It would be a simple matter to convince Zenith and Therese he was worthy of their respect once Paul departed for the Asura Kingdom, so Varuna decided to put off the duo's indoctrination until then.
Adopting a faint smile, Varuna said, "Then, at least for the time being, let's enjoy these snacks and speak freely..."
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With Barbara temporarily returning to the academy, Jean accompanying Klee on her exploration, and Noelle familiarizing herself with the estate's facilities, Paul and Varuna were left alone in a secret dungeon constructed by the latter.
"You did well," said Paul. "Jean can be a little too straightforward at times, so I was relieved when you appeared to help settle things..."
Contrasting the sincerity in his words, Paul had an almost apathetic look on his face as he dripped crimson candle wax on the bound, gagged, and blindfolded Varuna. Her neck, wrists, and ankles were fixed in place by a wooden pillory, but instead of being in distress, nasally moans emanated from Varuna's throat as she breathed laboriously through her nose.
As the wax built up on Varuna's breasts, Paul couldn't help wondering how things had developed to this point. It wasn't nearly as extreme as some of the things he had done with Atofe and the two Kishirikas, but when it came to Varuna, Paul always had the distinct impression he was corrupting something meant to be pure...
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(A/N: We all know Goddesses are even kinkier than Demons...)

Following a seven-hour 'session,' Paul and Varuna were relaxing in a large tub when the latter noted, "You seem distracted. Is something troubling you?"
With Varuna straddling him and staring directly into his eyes, Paul didn't beat around the bush, answering, "Yes, though it isn't anything serious. I was just thinking about my homecoming. I wasn't particularly close with my kids, but I can't help worrying about them..."
Though he still had misgivings about his son being a reincarnated otaku, Paul chose to believe in Aiden. More to the point, he believed in the man Aiden or, more accurately, Rudeus had become in the original Mushoku Tensei. He may have been an incorrigible pervert, but he was still a good person who cared about his family, friends, and loved ones to the point of fighting against the world's strongest entities to protect them.
Adopting a faint smile, Varuna's tone was uncharacteristically soft as she said, "You shouldn't worry too much. If Aiden is who we believe him to be, he must have a powerful fate. His proficiency with Earth, Water, and Spirit Magic is a testament to that fact."
Nodding his head, Paul adopted a faint smile of his own as he replied, "I know. That's why I said it wasn't anything serious. If anything, I'm more concerned about our father-son relationship than the trials he's bound to face. I'm not exactly a great father figure..."
Shaking her head, Varuna became serious as she asserted, "You're wrong. There's more to being a parent than constant vigilance and oversight. You may not have been there from the moment of their birth, but you've gone to great lengths to ensure they are protected and able to pursue a path of their choosing. In this world, that makes you exceptional..."
Punctuating her words, Varuna linked her arms around Paul's shoulders and gave him a deep, passionate kiss. She held the 'old-fashioned' belief that mothers were primarily responsible for rearing children, so she didn't believe Paul had done anything wrong. To that end, she harbored a deep appreciation for Paul's mother and a fair amount of disdain for Reida...
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As it would have been suspicious for them to stay the night, Paul, Jean, Klee, and Noelle departed the Fontaine Estate around 9:40 PM. By then, Klee could barely keep her eyes open, so Paul held her in a koala hold, gently caressing her back as Varuna's carriage ferried them back to the Inn.
Catching Paul a little off guard, Jean broke a fairly lengthy silence by saying, "I wanted to apologize and thank you. In hindsight, I realized my words complicated matters unnecessarily. I-"
Shaking his head, Paul's expression and tone were soft as he said, "It's fine. I would never rebuke you for being true to yourself. I will, however, accept your gratitude. Just not right now."
Seeing Paul punctuate his words with a wink, a faint but noticeable blush spread through Jean's cheeks. It appeared she wouldn't be getting much sleep that evening...
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With little else to discuss, Paul, Jean, and Noelle sat in silence the rest of the way to the Inn. Most of the girls had gone to sleep, but Ganyu, Ei, and Yae were still awake, gathered around the hearth on night watch.
Waiting near the room's entrance, Ganyu, wearing her characteristically sleepy smile, offered a slight bow before saying, "Welcome back, Master. Did you enjoy your visit to the Fontaine Estate?"
Interjecting before Paul could respond, Yae teased, "You're back early. Did you miss us~?"
Without missing a beat, Paul responded, "I would be lying if I said I didn't." before handing Klee over to Ganyu. She immediately understood his intentions, so after a brief exchange of glances, she dutifully carried Klee off to her room while Paul made his way over to the hearth, taking a seat in a high-backed leather chair.
"Does Master still require my services?" asked Noelle.
Though he was tempted to accept, Paul shook his head, answering, "Get some rest. I'll more than likely have you accompany me tomorrow, so take it easy tonight."
Bowing her head, Noelle replied, "Understood." before rising to her full height and adding, "Good night, Master."
With Noelle promptly departing the room, Yae didn't hesitate to tease, "Is it just me, or did she seem disappointed~?"
Instead of responding to Yae's teasing, Paul gave his left thigh a few light slaps, indicating where Jean should plant her pert and perfectly sculpted posterior. The presence of Yae and Ei made her feel a little apprehensive, but she eventually sat down and made herself comfortable by leaning into his chest.
Planting his hand on Jean's left ass cheek, Paul allowed it to rest there as he surprised everyone by asking, "Are the three of you happy with the way things are? And even if you are, is there anything I could be doing to make you happier...?"
Reacting almost immediately, Ei adopted a resolute look as she replied, "I am perfectly content with the current state of affairs. I greatly anticipate the day our mission reaches its conclusion, but I no longer feel the same sense of urgency I had when I was first summoned."
Piggybacking off of Ei's words, Yae added, "I'm also fairly content with the way things are. If there's anything I would change, it would be our constant traipsing about. I'm not against traveling, but I prefer to stay in one place. Once we settle down, I plan to open a publishing house like the one I had back in Inazuma."
Nodding his head in approval, Paul remarked, "This world would certainly benefit from having more books," before shifting his attention to Jean. She had yet to respond, so he was curious to hear what she had to say.
Feeling as though she had been put on the spot, an embarrassed smile developed across Jean's face as she replied, "Long ago, I used to think the most important thing was completing our mission. I was willing to do whatever it took to that end, but my thoughts have since changed. Seeing you work so hard to ease our burdens..."
Unable to properly convey her feelings, Jean's words gradually trailed off as her complexion reddened. Nearly ten years prior, she was prepared to 'force' herself to fall in love with Paul. Now, after watching him grow and getting to know the type of man he was, she genuinely couldn't imagine a life without him.
Sparring Jean the need to explain herself, Paul began moving the hand he had resting on her bottom, his eyes narrowed into a smoldering look as he whispered, "You're so fucking adorable..."
Swallowing hard, Jean averted her eyes and muttered, "Language..." in a nearly inaudible tone. This gave Paul an overwhelming urge to tease her, but he was forestalled by Yae musing, "Ah, to be young~" with a distinctly vulpine smile.
Meeting the mischievous pinkette's gaze, Paul ceased beating around the bush, revealing, "Jean and I will be retiring to my room shortly. Would the two of you like to join us?"
Speaking for herself and Ei, Yae narrowed her electro-purple eyes and teased, "You little scoundrel. Are you asking us to neglect our duty to play around~?"
Without waiting for Paul to respond, Yae intentionally wiggled her droopy, fox-like ears and added, "Sounds like fun~" in a sultry tone. Then, pulling Ei's hand, she rose from the sofa she was lounging on and scampered out of the room in advance. Paul and Jean followed soon after, but not before meeting each other's gaze and sharing a chaste but lasting kiss...
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Feeling a familiar sensation enveloping his dick, Paul opened his eyes to find Yae in the midst of relieving his morning wood. She could barely take in more than half his total length due to the angle, but the weak electro-energy she infused into her tongue caused Paul's toes to curl as shivers spread through his body.
*Sluuur-pop*
Noticing Paul's reaction, Yae ceased sucking him off and gazed up at him with her characteristically vulpine smile, her lips close enough to tickle his glans as she playfully mused, "Good afternoon, sleepyhead. Tell me, were you having a pleasant dream~?"
After a moment of pause, Paul extended his hand to caress Yae's silky smooth and somewhat fluffy hair as he replied, "I prefer the reality I just woke up to..."
Narrowing her eyes into a squint, Yae gave the tip of Paul's dick a quick lick before remarking, "That was the correct answer..." Then, instead of continuing her blowjob, she sat up and positioned herself so that Paul's shaft was sandwiched between her steamy vulva.
Catching Paul a little off guard, Yae said, "I was thinking about what you said last night. You know, the whole asking us what you could do to make us happier?"
Though alarms began sounding in his mind, Paul's previously ravenous expression gave way to a calm yet serious countenance as he said, "Go on..." while staring directly into Yae's eyes.
Maintaining her vulpine smile, Yae caressed Paul's muscular chest with the nail of her index finger as she whispered, "Look at you...so serious..."
Preempting Paul's response, Yae gave him a shallow cut as she revealed, "Sorry to disappoint, but I have no interest in becoming a mother just yet. What I want is for you to take better care of Ei. She isn't like Venti, Varuna, and Murata. She isn't going to demand your attention, so you have to give it to her of your own accord. Can you do that for me...?"
Sliding her hips forward so that the tip of Paul's cock was nestled near the entrance of her pussy, Yae waited for him to open his mouth before adjusting her position and accepting his full length in a single motion. She already knew how he would respond, so she began rocking her hips with the finesse of a dancer as she said, "Actions speak louder than words..."
Demonstrating her point, Yae placed her hands against Paul's abdomen and started raising and lowering her hips with vigor. She usually left the more intensive movements to Paul, but that didn't mean she couldn't go on the offensive. Rather, since it was just the two of them, Yae felt like giving Paul a taste of her 'true' self...
Responding to her intentions, Yae's electro-purple eyes began to glow as nine tails unfurled behind her. She maintained her human appearance, but her features became sharper and more vulpine as the nails on her fingers and toes elongated. A sakura pink hue framed her eyes, but the change that caught Paul's attention was her ivory white canines, reminiscent of a vampire's fangs.
Though she was slowed by the weight and undulation of her tails, Yae's movements gained an extra 'oomph' that was greatly appreciated by Paul. He could have done without her nails digging into his chest and abdomen, but it wasn't the first time he had sustained an injury during sex. Atofe had outright shattered his pelvis during a particularly intense session, so Paul just grinned, supported Yae's waist, and matched her movements.
Feeling it a lot more than usual, Yae was about to kick things up a notch when the door to Paul's room abruptly blasted open. She and Paul were so focused on the moment that they had completely lowered their guards. Fortunately, they managed to avoid the worst-case scenario as the person who burst into the room was Diona, exclaiming, "We sent you to wake him up, not fool around! Now hurry up and get dressed! Everyone's waiting so we can eat lunch together...!"
Without waiting for the duo to respond, Diona issued an indignant 'hmph!' before leaving the room and slamming the door behind her. In her wake, an awkward atmosphere began to permeate the room, but it was quickly dashed as Yae met Paul's gaze and mused, "Looks like we need to speed things up..." before clamping down on his cock like a vice...
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(A/N: Yae has a wild side O w O...)

Though he couldn't resist the urge to reach up and grope Varuna's chest, Paul asked, "Aren't we supposed to be having brunch in thirty minutes? I don't mind getting straight to the point, but I don't want to keep Barbara waiting longer than she has to..."
Maintaining a calm disposition, despite the fact Paul was groping her, Varuna replied, "I asked you here in advance to inform you that Barbara has invited her 'friends' to accompany us. If it's Master, I'm certain you have at least some idea of who I'm referring to...?"
Raising his brows, Paul guessed, "Is it Zenith...?" with a hint of disbelief in his tone. He knew she and Barbara had become fairly close, but he didn't expect her to invite 'outsiders' to their reunion.
Adopting a faint smile, Varuna mused, "As expected of my Master..." before regaining her usual cold demeanor and adding, "However, you're short one person. Therese Latreia, the fourth daughter of House Latreia, will also be attending."
"Seriously...?" asked Paul. He knew Barbara had befriended more than just Zenith, but Therese should only be around ten years old, barely in her first year at the Holy Milis Academy for Girls. It made sense if she was tagging along with her older sister, but Paul's intuition told him there was a deeper meaning behind her attendance.
Seeing through Paul's thoughts, Varuna narrowed her eyes and mused, "Master's fame has spread far beyond the borders of the Asura Kingdom. There are many from your generation who look up to you, even in a place like this."
"Ah..."
Recalling that his current body was barely fifteen, a wry smile developed across Paul's face. Those older than him regarded him as a monster that jeopardized the current order, but those younger than him viewed him as a kind of idol, someone to admire or surpass.
Nodding her head, Varuna said, "It's slow and gradual, but many already view you as a force for change, a beacon of hope that promises a brighter future. There will be those who seek to suppress you, but so long as you endure, countless others will flock to your side. That's how revolutions are wrought."
Seeing the 'seriousness' in Varuna's gaze, Paul released his hold on her nipples, a somewhat cheeky smile developing across his face as he said, "Then you should probably get changed. After all, I'm not the only one those girls look up to..."
Nodding her head a second time, Varuna replied, "Master is correct. However, as it has been some time since our last encounter, there is something I must do before that..."
Following her words, Varuna kneeled before Paul and began unfastening his belt. Her body hungered for greater intimacy, but penetration was far from the only way to quell her desires...at least for a short while...
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With Varuna saying she would join near the end of the brunch, Paul made his way through the scenic courtyard of the Fontaine Estate, escorted by the taciturn Persha.
Stopping just as an ornate blue and white gazebo came into view, Persha pulled out a silvery bell and stated, "You will find Lady Fontaine's guests up ahead. If you require our services, please ring this bell."
Accepting the bell, Paul pocketed it and thanked Persha for guiding him before making his way over to the bevy of blondes observing his gradual approach. Noelle was presumably preparing tea and snacks, so everyone present, excluding Paul, had golden or strawberry blonde hair.
Expecting Barbara to come rushing at him, Paul was somewhat surprised when she simply rose to her feet alongside the other girls, smiling at him as he approached. Her appearance hadn't changed much since their last encounter, but her disposition had become noticeably noble and refined. There was a discernible 'hunger' in her eyes, but she managed to conceal it well with a practiced smile and perfect posture.
Interrupting the somewhat tense atmosphere, Klee bounced out of her chair, shouting, "Big brother~!" before rushing over and leaping into his embrace.
Catching the petite blonde out of the air, Paul asked, "Have you been behaving?" while Klee enthusiastically rubbed her cheek against his. In response, Klee momentarily ceased her over-affectionate actions and replied, "Of course! Klee made a promise, so she's been super good~!" with crossed arms and a fairly proud look on her face.
Nodding his head in approval, Paul pinched the diminutive elfette's cheek and said, "Keep it up, and I'll be sure to reward you once we return to the Inn."
Cupping her cheeks, Klee responded with a bashful, "Ehehehehe~" while Paul carried her back to the gazebo. There, he returned her to her chair before focusing his gaze on Barbara, smiling as he said, "It's been far too long..."
Though she did her best to maintain her ladylike appearance, Barbara's smile grew to its limits as an aura of giddiness gradually exuded from her body. She managed to avoid an outburst, but her voice bore an undertone of glee as she replied, "It really has been."
In an effort to prevent herself from squealing in delight, Barbara promptly shifted her attention to the two girls wearing the same uniform as herself, a fairly buxom blonde who appeared to be in her late teens and a visually similar girl on the threshold of pubescence. The two were clearly sisters, but the older girl exuded the air of a proper young lady, while the younger sibling gave the distinct impression of a tomboy.
Gesturing toward Paul, Barbara beamed as she said, "Zenith, Theresa, allow me to introduce you to Paul Greyrat, the Asura King's Greatsword. I'm sure you've heard of him~?"
Hearing Barbara's introduction, Zenith's and Theresa's eyes widened to varying degrees. The former managed to maintain her bearing, but the latter practically exploded, exclaiming, "Is that true!? Are you really 'the' Paul Greyrat...!?"
Nodding his head, Paul offered a relaxed smile as he replied, "Indeed. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances, Zenith and Theresa."
Balling her hands and raising them into a guts pose, Theresa's cerulean blue eyes sparkled as she said, "Incredible! You must teach me how you became so strong!"
Before Paul could offer a response, Zenith adopted a gently chastizing expression and tone as she said, "That's quite enough, Theresa. It's not polite to pester someone you've only recently become acquainted with."
Shaking his head, Paul supplanted, "It's fine. I'm not overly concerned with things like manners. Feel free to speak casually and question me at your leisure. So long as it doesn't turn into an interrogation, I don't mind assuaging your curiosities."
Piggybacking off of Paul's words, Barbara issued a soft giggle before stating, "Paul is a passionate but reasonable person. You need not be fearful of inadvertently offending him."
Adopting a slightly awkward smile, Zenith replied, "I see..." before asking the question at the forefront of her mind, specifically, "How is it that you came to be acquainted with Sir Paul, Barbara? Don't tell me he's the one you were referring to when..."
Understanding what Zenith was referring to, a faint but noticeable blush spread through Barbara's cheeks. It was well-known among the girls in the academy that she was affianced, but not even the Latreia sisters were privy to her future husband's identity.
Nodding her head, Barbara admitted, "Paul and I have vowed to love and protect one another for the rest of our lives..."
Discarding her ladylike demeanor, Zenith brought her hands together and exclaimed, "Oh my!" in a girlish tone. Gossip was strictly prohibited within the convent, but what young girl wasn't enamored with stories of love and romance? Before they were married off to strengthen their families, even the daughters of Nobles had hopes and dreams.
Pouring a bit of cold water on the conversation, Jean stated, "Please keep in mind that the relationship between Paul and Barbara is a secret. I want to believe in your friendship, but recent events have placed your family at odds with our Master. If the Order of the Temple learned you were friends with one of their enemies, they would attempt to exploit your relationship to their advantage."
Though rumors of Paul's exploits within the White Palace had permeated the entirety of Milishion, Jean's warning caught Zenith and Theresa a little off guard. Their family was political-minded, meaning they pandered to all three factions, but their most prominent association was with the Order of the Temple. It wasn't difficult to imagine their parents instructing them to betray their friend if it meant improving their standing. After all, they were already being pressured to use their relationship with Barbara to get close to Lady Fontaine...
Understanding the severity of the situation, Zenith adopted a serious expression and said, "I swear to Saint Milis. I will not disclose Barbara's and Sir Paul's relationship to anyone..."
Seeing her elder sister make a vow, Theresa felt compelled to do the same. Before she could, Paul shook his head and said, "It's not that big a deal. It might have been a few years ago, but things have changed pretty drastically since then. If anything, you should use your relationship with Barbara to ensure your family doesn't force you to do anything you don't want to."
Shifting his gaze to Barbara, Paul surprised her by adding, "You also shouldn't feel obligated to remain in Milishion. I won't stop you if you wish to stay and protect your friends, but I'd prefer having you at my side..."
Blushing up to her ears, Barbara pressed her hands to her chest, her heart beating madly within. She was originally planning to stay in Milishion until they had secured a foothold, but there was only so much she could do as a student. Most of her standing came from Varuna's backing, so the only reason she had to stay was her friendship with the Latreia sisters.
As fond as she was of Zenith, Angelica, and Theresa, Barbara's love for Paul was much greater. Thus, before her mind even had time to process the pros and cons of her decision, she enthusiastically replied, "If that's what my future husband wants, then of course I'll return to your side~!"
Though he was somewhat taken aback by Barbara's sudden vigor, Paul couldn't help smiling. He felt sorry for Zenith and Theresa, but while he felt obligated to ensure their safety and happiness, he couldn't put them before those he truly cared about.
Reinserting herself into the conversation, Therese exclaimed, "Wait! Does this mean sister Barbara's going to leave!? But what about becoming Holy Knights together...!?"
Temporarily restraining her excitement, Barbara turned to Therese and said, "I'm sorry, Therese, but my heart has always been with Paul. If he says he needs me, I must be at his side."
Demonstrating her lack of maturity, Therese began to tear up as she slammed her hands on the table, exclaiming, "It's not fair! Weren't we going to work our way up the ranks and fix the church from the inside!? We need you just as much as he does...!"
Seeing the hurt in Therese's eyes, a pang of guilt permeated Barbara's chest. She felt as though she had betrayed the young girl's trust, but her desire to accompany Paul was much stronger. He hadn't exactly said he 'needed' her, but that was how she interpreted his words. With that being the case, there was no way she could remain in Milishion.
Sparing Barbara the need to make excuses, Zenith abruptly hugged her little sister, her voice gentle and soothing as she said, "It's going to be okay, Therese. We've known for a long time that Barbara was engaged. It's clear she loves her fiance very dearly, so, as her friends, we should support her decision and pray for her happiness..."
Shifting her attention to the others seated around the table, Zenith briefly exchanged glances with Jean before meeting Barbara's remorse-filled gaze as she repeated words the latter had said to her many times in the past, "After all, the most important thing in life is to follow your heart and do what makes you happy..."
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(A/N: Zenith is very mature for a thirteen-year-old...)

Chapter 215: Tea-Time Truths